Deutsche Aircraft has selected the PW127XT-S engine to power its upcoming regional turboprop, the D328eco. The engines will be manufactured by Pratt & Whitney Canada, and are designed to deliver a significant improvement in operating costs and sustainability.

The two companies are also teaming up to develop new propulsion technologies for the aircraft, including sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and hydrogen-based fuel.

Deutsche Aircraft aims for the D328eco to take its first flight in 2024, with the aircraft’s entry into commercial service planned for 2025.

President of Pratt & Whitney Canada, Maria Della Posta, celebrated the agreement, stating,

“We have worked closely with the D328eco team over a number of years to develop the best engine option for the aircraft. The PW127XT-S provides airlines 40% more time on wing, a 20% reduction in maintenance costs with only two scheduled events over 10 years, and a 3% improvement in specific fuel consumption. We support Deutsche Aircraft’s vision of building a green aviation company and we’re confident that the PW127XT-S is the ideal match for the D328eco.”

The D328eco – a sustainable regional aircraft

In addition to its efficient PW127XT-S engines, the D328eco will also be compatible with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), leading to a further reduced carbon footprint.

Managing director of Deutsche Aircraft, Dave Jackson, explained more about the company’s plans for the eco-friendly D328eco, saying,

“In addition to the engine selection announced today, Deutsche Aircraft and Pratt & Whitney Canada will collaborate on novel propulsion technologies for next generation, climate friendly, highly efficient regional aircraft. Our two companies recently agreed to cooperate on enabling the PW127XT-S engine powering the D328eco to run on a 100 % sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) including hydrogen-based Power-to-Liquid (PtL) fuel.”

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A closer look at the D328eco

The D328eco was first introduced by Deutsche Aircraft in December 2020. With a planned top speed of 600 km/h (373 mph), the D328eco will carry 43 passengers. The aircraft will be capable of taking off and landing on runways of just 1000 meters (3,280 feet) in length, meaning that the D328eco could facilitate the opening of new routes to currently hard-to-reach airports.

Deutsche Aircraft describes the D328eco as "a vital tool to promote regional economic growth". According to the company, it is the ideal aircraft to explore new and under-served routes, as well as access remote locations without the need for sophisticated infrastructure.

The aircraft’s flight deck will feature the Garmin G5000 avionics suite – an advanced system that could allow for single-pilot operations.

The D328eco’s design is based on the Dornier 328, over 200 of which were produced between 1991 and 2000. The aircraft has a varied history, flying for several freight and military operators around the world, as well as a number of passenger airlines, including Horizon Air and United Express.

If the aircraft's development goes to plan, the D328eco could be a game-changer in sustainable regional aviation.

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